KJV ORIGINAL
And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
David told Joab and the other leaders, 'Go and count all the people of Israel from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north. Bring me the total number so I can know how many there are.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is showing David ordering a census to count all the Israelites throughout the entire kingdom.
📚 Historical Context
This census took place late in David's reign when Israel was at peace and prosperity. In ancient times, taking a census was often done for military purposes or taxation, and could indicate pride in one's power or lack of trust in God's protection. The phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba' was a common expression meaning the entire land of Israel from north to south.
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